I've finally finished reading Divine Providence: The Molinist Account by Thomas P. Flint (I started about a year ago). Interesting that it quotes St. Thomas Aquinas on the purpose of prayer:
When considering the problem of the usefulness of prayer, one must remember that divine providence not only disposes what effects will take place, but also the manner in which they will take place, and which actions will cause them... [W]e do not pray in order to change the decree of divine providence, rather we pray in order to impetrate those things which God has determined would be obtained only through our prayers.
- St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, 2a2ae, 83, 2
It appears, then, that Molinism may well be of some help in understanding why it is that our prayers sometimes appear to go unanswered.
At times, what we pray for may depend upon others' free actions, actions which are not in fact forthcoming.
At other times, it may be that God sees via his middle knowledge that we would not benefit should he grant us that for which we have prayed, and so, being a loving father, he doesn't give us that which would ultimately harm us.
Nor should God's activity in the wake of prayer be seen as utterly independent of those prayers, for what is good for God's creatures is in part dependent upon the circumstances in which they are placed, and prayer affects those circumstances.
- Thomas P. Flint, Divine Providence: The Molinist Account
Prayer changes things, not because God depends on our prayers, but because God responds to our prayers!
According to Molinism, middle knowledge is God's infallible foreknowledge (from eternity) of what we would freely do in all possible worlds, while free knowledge is God's decree of what we will freely do in this particular world - the world which God has created and we live in.
From a Molinist perspective, our (freely-prayed) prayers do not change God's free knowledge, which is determined by nothing except God's sovereign choice. However, they do change God's middle knowledge, which is determined by (but not dependent on) our free choices - including our prayers.
Whether God answers our prayers is up to God. Whether we pray the prayers for God to answer is down to us.
Links: Prayer Changes Things (26 Nov 10), Prayer According to God's Will (5 Dec 10)
Friday 31 December 2010
Monday 27 December 2010
Command and Control
"The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen. He loads the clouds with moisture; he scatters his lightning through them. At his direction they swirl around over the face of the whole earth to do whatever he commands them. He brings the clouds to punish men, or to water his earth and show his love." - Job 37:10-13 (NIV)
"Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God's wonders. Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash? Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who is perfect in knowledge? You who swelter in your clothes when the land lies hushed under the south wind, can you join him in spreading out the skies, hard as a mirror of cast bronze?" - Job 37:14-18 (NIV)
If God is in control of nature (not least the rain), how much more is He in control of our lives!
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" - Matthew 6:28-30 (NIV)
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." - Matthew 10:29-31 (NIV)
The more you know that you're not in control, the more you learn that God is in control.
"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." - Philippians 3:20-21 (NIV)
"Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God's wonders. Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash? Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who is perfect in knowledge? You who swelter in your clothes when the land lies hushed under the south wind, can you join him in spreading out the skies, hard as a mirror of cast bronze?" - Job 37:14-18 (NIV)
If God is in control of nature (not least the rain), how much more is He in control of our lives!
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" - Matthew 6:28-30 (NIV)
"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." - Matthew 10:29-31 (NIV)
The more you know that you're not in control, the more you learn that God is in control.
"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." - Philippians 3:20-21 (NIV)
Sunday 26 December 2010
Lessons from Proverbs 31:10
I'm reading the Bible in one year and the Wisdom reading for Dec 26 is Proverbs 31:10-20.
"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." - Proverbs 31:10 (NIV)
Lesson #1: A wife of noble character cannot be found except by God's grace. (6 Sep 10)
Lesson #2: Instead of focusing on finding a Proverbs 31 woman, focus on being a Psalm 112 man. (9 Sep 10)
Lesson #3: Seek wisdom before seeking a wife (or husband). (17 Oct 10)
"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." - Proverbs 31:10 (NIV)
Lesson #1: A wife of noble character cannot be found except by God's grace. (6 Sep 10)
Lesson #2: Instead of focusing on finding a Proverbs 31 woman, focus on being a Psalm 112 man. (9 Sep 10)
Lesson #3: Seek wisdom before seeking a wife (or husband). (17 Oct 10)
Saturday 25 December 2010
The Result of Christmas
This morning's message in church was on Matthew 2:1-12, in particular verse 12 - what happened to the Magi after they went to see Jesus in Bethlehem.
"And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route." - Matthew 2:12 (NIV)
And having been warned in a dream...
Because of Christmas, we are transformed by the Spirit (which may or may not involve the charismatic gifts).
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you." - John 16:13-15 (NIV)
"You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
"Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation - but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." - Romans 8:9-17 (NIV)
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
...not to go back to Herod...
Because of Christmas, we do not go back to our old lives.
"When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first." - Luke 11:24-26 (NIV)
"If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God." - Hebrews 10:26-27 (NIV)
"If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and, "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud."" - 2 Peter 2:20-22 (NIV)
...they returned to their country by another route.
Because of Christmas, we live new lives.
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." - Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)
"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country - a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." - Hebrews 11:13-16 (NIV)
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."" - Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV)
Even as we think about the reason for Christmas, we should also think about the result of Christmas. Have you met Jesus? Have you really encountered Him?
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
"And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route." - Matthew 2:12 (NIV)
And having been warned in a dream...
Because of Christmas, we are transformed by the Spirit (which may or may not involve the charismatic gifts).
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you." - John 16:13-15 (NIV)
"You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
"Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation - but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." - Romans 8:9-17 (NIV)
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
...not to go back to Herod...
Because of Christmas, we do not go back to our old lives.
"When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first." - Luke 11:24-26 (NIV)
"If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God." - Hebrews 10:26-27 (NIV)
"If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and, "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud."" - 2 Peter 2:20-22 (NIV)
...they returned to their country by another route.
Because of Christmas, we live new lives.
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." - Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)
"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country - a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." - Hebrews 11:13-16 (NIV)
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."" - Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV)
Even as we think about the reason for Christmas, we should also think about the result of Christmas. Have you met Jesus? Have you really encountered Him?
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
God is making everything new
When I hear the story
Of a God of mercy
Who shared humanity
And suffered by our side
Of the cross they nailed You to
That could not hold You
Now You're making all things new
By the pow'r of Your risen life
What can I do but thank You
What can I do but give my life to You
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
What can I do but praise You
Everyday make everything I do
A hallelujah
A hallelujah
Hallelujah
Are you single? God is making everything new. Are you married? God is making everything new. Are you in the prime of life? God is making everything new. Are you facing death? God is making everything new.
"I am neither an optimist nor a pessimist. Jesus Christ is risen from the dead!" - Lesslie Newbigin, Bishop of Madras (1965-74)
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned... For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:2, 6 (NIV)
As we celebrate Christmas, let us not just think about why we celebrate Christmas, but how the birth of Jesus brings light and life to the whole creation - by reversing the curse of death, the wages of sin.
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace
Hail the Sun of Righteousness
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
God is making everything new - in and through Christ Jesus our Lord!
Link: A Wedding and a Funeral (18 Dec 10)
Friday 24 December 2010
Waiting on God
The Father in heaven is so interested in His child, and so longs to have his life at every step in His will and His love, that He is willing to keep his guidance entirely in His own hand.
He knows so well that we are unable to do what is really holy and heavenly, except as He works it in us, that He means His very demands to become promises of what He will do in watching over and leading us all the day. Not only in special difficulties and times of perplexity, but in the common course of everyday life, we may count upon Him to teach us His way, and show us His path...
A soul cannot seek close fellowship with God, or attain the abiding consciousness of waiting on Him all the day, without a very honest and entire surrender to all His will...
"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him." - Psalm 37:7a (NIV)
It is resting in the Lord, in His will, His promise, His faithfulness, and His love, that makes patience easy. And the resting in Him is nothing but being silent unto Him, still before Him. Having our thoughts and wishes, our fears and hopes, hushed into calm and quiet in that great peace of God which passeth all understanding. That peace keeps the heart and mind when we are anxious for anything, because we have made our request known to Him. The rest, the silence, the stillness, and the patient waiting, all find their strength and joy in God Himself.
The needs be, and the reasonableness, and the blessedness of patience will be opened up to the waiting soul. Our patience will be seen to be the counterpart of God's patience. He longs far more to bless us fully than we can desire it. But, as the husbandman has long patience till the fruit be ripe, so God bows Himself to our slowness and bears long with us. Let us remember this, and wait patiently: of each promise and every answer to prayer the word is true: "I the Lord will hasten it in its time."
"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." Yes, for HIM. Seek not only the help, the gift, thou needest; seek HIMSELF; wait FOR HIM. Give God His glory by resting in Him, by trusting Him fully, by waiting patiently for Him. This patience honours Him greatly; it leaves Him, as God on the throne, to do His work; it yields self wholly into His hands. It lets God be God.
If thy waiting be for some special request, wait patiently. If thy waiting be more the exercise of the spiritual life seeking to know and have more of God, wait patiently. Whether it be in the shorter specific periods of waiting, or as the continuous habit of the soul; rest in the Lord, be still before the Lord, and wait patiently.
- Andrew Murray, Waiting on God
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." - Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
I stand in Christ with sins forgiv'n
And Christ in me the hope of heav'n
My highest calling and my deepest joy
To make His will my home
Links: The Key to All Doors (30 Dec 09), He keeps the key (12 Aug 10)
He knows so well that we are unable to do what is really holy and heavenly, except as He works it in us, that He means His very demands to become promises of what He will do in watching over and leading us all the day. Not only in special difficulties and times of perplexity, but in the common course of everyday life, we may count upon Him to teach us His way, and show us His path...
A soul cannot seek close fellowship with God, or attain the abiding consciousness of waiting on Him all the day, without a very honest and entire surrender to all His will...
"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him." - Psalm 37:7a (NIV)
It is resting in the Lord, in His will, His promise, His faithfulness, and His love, that makes patience easy. And the resting in Him is nothing but being silent unto Him, still before Him. Having our thoughts and wishes, our fears and hopes, hushed into calm and quiet in that great peace of God which passeth all understanding. That peace keeps the heart and mind when we are anxious for anything, because we have made our request known to Him. The rest, the silence, the stillness, and the patient waiting, all find their strength and joy in God Himself.
The needs be, and the reasonableness, and the blessedness of patience will be opened up to the waiting soul. Our patience will be seen to be the counterpart of God's patience. He longs far more to bless us fully than we can desire it. But, as the husbandman has long patience till the fruit be ripe, so God bows Himself to our slowness and bears long with us. Let us remember this, and wait patiently: of each promise and every answer to prayer the word is true: "I the Lord will hasten it in its time."
"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." Yes, for HIM. Seek not only the help, the gift, thou needest; seek HIMSELF; wait FOR HIM. Give God His glory by resting in Him, by trusting Him fully, by waiting patiently for Him. This patience honours Him greatly; it leaves Him, as God on the throne, to do His work; it yields self wholly into His hands. It lets God be God.
If thy waiting be for some special request, wait patiently. If thy waiting be more the exercise of the spiritual life seeking to know and have more of God, wait patiently. Whether it be in the shorter specific periods of waiting, or as the continuous habit of the soul; rest in the Lord, be still before the Lord, and wait patiently.
- Andrew Murray, Waiting on God
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." - Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
I stand in Christ with sins forgiv'n
And Christ in me the hope of heav'n
My highest calling and my deepest joy
To make His will my home
Links: The Key to All Doors (30 Dec 09), He keeps the key (12 Aug 10)
Wednesday 22 December 2010
Dec 15 to 21
Dec 15: "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." - Psalm 143:8 (NIV)
Dec 16: "You have said, 'It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the LORD Almighty?'" - Malachi 3:14 (NIV)
Dec 17: "Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the LORD." - Psalm 144:15 (NIV)
Dec 18: "But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets." - Revelation 10:7 (NIV)
Dec 19: "The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever."" - Revelation 11:15 (NIV)
Dec 20: "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations." - Psalm 145:13a (NIV)
Dec 21: "He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them." - Psalm 145:19 (NIV)
Dec 16: "You have said, 'It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the LORD Almighty?'" - Malachi 3:14 (NIV)
Dec 17: "Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the LORD." - Psalm 144:15 (NIV)
Dec 18: "But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets." - Revelation 10:7 (NIV)
Dec 19: "The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever."" - Revelation 11:15 (NIV)
Dec 20: "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations." - Psalm 145:13a (NIV)
Dec 21: "He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them." - Psalm 145:19 (NIV)
Sunday 19 December 2010
Dead to Sin and Alive in Christ
This morning's message in church was on Romans 6:1-11.
"If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection." - Romans 6:5 (NIV)
"Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him." - Romans 6:8 (NIV)
"In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." - Romans 6:11(NIV)
As Pastor Andrew put it, the cross without the resurrection is like being baptised (by immersion) and remaining in the water!
"If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection." - Romans 6:5 (NIV)
"Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him." - Romans 6:8 (NIV)
"In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." - Romans 6:11(NIV)
As Pastor Andrew put it, the cross without the resurrection is like being baptised (by immersion) and remaining in the water!
Saturday 18 December 2010
A Wedding and a Funeral
This morning I was in church for a wedding rehearsal. Two of my church friends are getting married next month and I'm playing in the band. And this evening I attended the funeral wake of a granduncle.
Although they were not read out at either the wedding rehearsal or the funeral wake, the following verses came to my mind:
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.
"I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God."
""He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."" - Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV)
Marriage
Apart from believing and being baptised, marriage is one of the most (if not the most) glorious moments in life (I imagine). It is a profound mystery, a picture of Christ and the church. Even so, it is a mere shadow of the reality it points towards - our union with Christ forever and ever.
Finish then, Thy new creation
Pure and spotless let us be
Let us see Thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee
Changed from glory into glory
Till in heaven* we take our place
Till we cast our crowns before Thee
Lost in wonder, love and praise
*the new heaven and the new earth
Death
On the other hand, death is the wages of sin, the ultimate affront to life. Even so, it is a defeated foe which awaits its own destruction - the death of death itself.
"Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death." - Revelation 20:14 (NIV)
So marriage is good, but the new creation is even better. Death is bad, but the new creation conquers it.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going... I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:1-4, 6 (NIV)
God knows if you will marry, who you will marry and when you will marry. He knows when you will die and how you will die. As the pastor preaching at the funeral wake said, "God is sovereign. He knows best."
He alone is faithful and true
He alone knows what is best for you...
God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
"He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"" - Revelation 21:5a (NIV)
Are you single? God is making everything new. Are you married? God is making everything new. Are you in the prime of life? God is making everything new. Are you facing death? God is making everything new.
"I am neither an optimist nor a pessimist. Jesus Christ is risen from the dead!" - Lesslie Newbigin, Bishop of Madras (1965-74)
Link: God is making everything new (25 Dec 10)
Although they were not read out at either the wedding rehearsal or the funeral wake, the following verses came to my mind:
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.
"I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God."
""He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."" - Revelation 21:1-4 (NIV)
Marriage
Apart from believing and being baptised, marriage is one of the most (if not the most) glorious moments in life (I imagine). It is a profound mystery, a picture of Christ and the church. Even so, it is a mere shadow of the reality it points towards - our union with Christ forever and ever.
Finish then, Thy new creation
Pure and spotless let us be
Let us see Thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee
Changed from glory into glory
Till in heaven* we take our place
Till we cast our crowns before Thee
Lost in wonder, love and praise
*the new heaven and the new earth
Death
On the other hand, death is the wages of sin, the ultimate affront to life. Even so, it is a defeated foe which awaits its own destruction - the death of death itself.
"Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death." - Revelation 20:14 (NIV)
So marriage is good, but the new creation is even better. Death is bad, but the new creation conquers it.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going... I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:1-4, 6 (NIV)
God knows if you will marry, who you will marry and when you will marry. He knows when you will die and how you will die. As the pastor preaching at the funeral wake said, "God is sovereign. He knows best."
He alone is faithful and true
He alone knows what is best for you...
God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
"He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"" - Revelation 21:5a (NIV)
Are you single? God is making everything new. Are you married? God is making everything new. Are you in the prime of life? God is making everything new. Are you facing death? God is making everything new.
"I am neither an optimist nor a pessimist. Jesus Christ is risen from the dead!" - Lesslie Newbigin, Bishop of Madras (1965-74)
Link: God is making everything new (25 Dec 10)
Thursday 16 December 2010
True Gain
I'm reading the Bible in one year and the Old Testament reading for Dec 16 is Malachi 2:17-4:6.
"You have said, 'It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the LORD Almighty?'" - Malachi 3:14 (NIV)
The answer is - everything.
"O greedy men, what will satisfy you, if God Himself will not?" - St. Augustine
"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favour and honour; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you." - Psalm 84:10-12 (NIV)
Besides, instead of asking "What can we gain for ourselves?", we should be asking
"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?" - Luke 9:25 (NIV)
and
"But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand." - 1 Chronicles 29:14 (NIV)
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Saviour's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain
For me, who Him to death pursued!
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me!
"You have said, 'It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the LORD Almighty?'" - Malachi 3:14 (NIV)
The answer is - everything.
"O greedy men, what will satisfy you, if God Himself will not?" - St. Augustine
"Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favour and honour; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you." - Psalm 84:10-12 (NIV)
Besides, instead of asking "What can we gain for ourselves?", we should be asking
"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?" - Luke 9:25 (NIV)
and
"But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand." - 1 Chronicles 29:14 (NIV)
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Saviour's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain
For me, who Him to death pursued!
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me!
Wednesday 15 December 2010
Dec 8 to 14
Dec 8: "Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life." - Jude 21 (NIV)
Dec 9: "I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades." - Revelation 1:18 (NIV)
Dec 10: "Keep falsehoods and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread." - Proverbs 30:8 (NIV)
Dec 11: "To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations." - Revelation 2:26 (NIV)
Dec 12: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." - Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
Dec 13: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." - Revelation 4:11 (NIV)
Dec 14: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." - Revelation 5:9-10 (NIV)
Dec 9: "I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades." - Revelation 1:18 (NIV)
Dec 10: "Keep falsehoods and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread." - Proverbs 30:8 (NIV)
Dec 11: "To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations." - Revelation 2:26 (NIV)
Dec 12: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." - Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
Dec 13: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." - Revelation 4:11 (NIV)
Dec 14: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." - Revelation 5:9-10 (NIV)
Sunday 12 December 2010
And on Earth, Peace to Men
This morning's message in church was on Luke 2:14, the verse which the Greater Doxology (Gloria in Excelsis Deo) begins with and is named after.
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests." - Luke 2:14 (NIV)
How can we be at peace with God?
1. Believe.
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal." - Isaiah 26:3-4 (NIV)
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." - Romans 5:1-2 (NIV)
"And again, Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him." May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:12-13 (NIV)
2. Pray.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
3. Know (and do) His will.
"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." - Philippians 4:9 (NIV)
*****
"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." - Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests." - Luke 2:14 (NIV)
How can we be at peace with God?
1. Believe.
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal." - Isaiah 26:3-4 (NIV)
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." - Romans 5:1-2 (NIV)
"And again, Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him." May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:12-13 (NIV)
2. Pray.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
3. Know (and do) His will.
"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." - Philippians 4:9 (NIV)
*****
"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." - Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)
Friday 10 December 2010
A Time to Wait
Celebrating Advent means being able to wait. Waiting is an art that our impatient age has forgotten. It wants to break open the ripe fruit when it has hardly finished planting the shoot. But all too often the greedy eyes are only deceived; the fruit that seemed so precious is still green on the inside, and disrespectful hands ungratefully toss aside what has so disappointed them.
Whoever does not know the austere blessedness of waiting - that is, of hopefully doing without - will never experience the full blessing of fulfillment. Those who do not know how it feels to struggle anxiously with the deepest questions of life, of their life, and to patiently look forward with anticipation until the truth is revealed, cannot even dream of the splendour of the moment in which clarity is illuminated for them...
For the greatest, most profound, tenderest things in the world, we must wait. It happens not here in a storm but according to the divine laws of sprouting, growing, and becoming.
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, God is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." - Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)
"Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man's misery weighs heavily upon him." - Ecclesiastes 8:5-6 (NIV)
Whoever does not know the austere blessedness of waiting - that is, of hopefully doing without - will never experience the full blessing of fulfillment. Those who do not know how it feels to struggle anxiously with the deepest questions of life, of their life, and to patiently look forward with anticipation until the truth is revealed, cannot even dream of the splendour of the moment in which clarity is illuminated for them...
For the greatest, most profound, tenderest things in the world, we must wait. It happens not here in a storm but according to the divine laws of sprouting, growing, and becoming.
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, God is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." - Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)
"Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man's misery weighs heavily upon him." - Ecclesiastes 8:5-6 (NIV)
Wednesday 8 December 2010
Dec 1 to 7
Dec 1: "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." - 1 John 2:17 (NIV)
Dec 2: "Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law." - Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)
Dec 3: "Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him." - 1 John 3:21-22 (NIV)
Dec 4: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." - 1 John 4:18 (NIV)
Dec 5: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." - 1 John 5:14 (NIV)
Dec 6: "Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that man gets justice." - Proverbs 29:26 (NIV)
Dec 7: "So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty."" - Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)
Dec 2: "Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law." - Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)
Dec 3: "Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him." - 1 John 3:21-22 (NIV)
Dec 4: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." - 1 John 4:18 (NIV)
Dec 5: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." - 1 John 5:14 (NIV)
Dec 6: "Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that man gets justice." - Proverbs 29:26 (NIV)
Dec 7: "So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty."" - Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)
Sunday 5 December 2010
Prayer According to God's Will
I'm reading the Bible in one year and the New Testament reading for Dec 5 is 1 John 5:1-21.
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." - 1 John 5:14 (NIV)
Do our prayers simply change us and align us to God's will, without having any bearing on His will? (Then why pray? For example, why pray for the salvation of the lost if the lost are saved completely apart from our prayers?)
Do our prayers have a bearing on God's will to the extent that our prayers determine His will? (Then what if two people pray against each other? For example, what if one person prays for sunny weather and another person prays for rainy weather?)
Or do our prayers provide the means by which God, knowing what we would pray for and how He would answer accordingly (be it yes or no), accomplishes His will - His good, pleasing and perfect will?
God answers prayer! He will answer yes when answering yes is for the best; He will answer no when answering no is for the best. And whether He answers yes or no, His will is exactly what we would desire if we knew all the facts.
Links: Prayer Changes Things (26 Nov 10), A Molinist View of Prayer (31 Dec 10)
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." - 1 John 5:14 (NIV)
Do our prayers simply change us and align us to God's will, without having any bearing on His will? (Then why pray? For example, why pray for the salvation of the lost if the lost are saved completely apart from our prayers?)
Do our prayers have a bearing on God's will to the extent that our prayers determine His will? (Then what if two people pray against each other? For example, what if one person prays for sunny weather and another person prays for rainy weather?)
Or do our prayers provide the means by which God, knowing what we would pray for and how He would answer accordingly (be it yes or no), accomplishes His will - His good, pleasing and perfect will?
God answers prayer! He will answer yes when answering yes is for the best; He will answer no when answering no is for the best. And whether He answers yes or no, His will is exactly what we would desire if we knew all the facts.
Links: Prayer Changes Things (26 Nov 10), A Molinist View of Prayer (31 Dec 10)
Saturday 4 December 2010
Freedom and Boundaries
The question of the real content and meaning of the Christian faith is enveloped today in a greater fog of uncertainty than at almost any earlier period in history. Anyone who has watched the theological movement of the last decade and who is not one of those thoughtless people who always uncritically accept what is new as necessarily better might well feel reminded of the old story of "Lucky Jack".
The lump of gold that was too heavy and troublesome for him he exchanged successively, so as to be more comfortable, for a horse, a cow, a goose, and a whetstone, which he finally threw into the water without losing much more; on the contrary, what he now gained in exchange, so he thought, was the precious gift of complete freedom. How long his intoxication lasted, how sombre the moment of awakening from the illusion of his supposed liberation, is left by the story, as is well known, to the imagination of the reader.
The worried Christian of today is often bothered by questions like these: has our theology in the last few years not taken in many ways a similar path? Has it not gradually watered down the demands of faith, which had been found all too demanding, always only so little that nothing important seemed to be lost, yet always so much that it was soon possible to venture on the next step? And will poor Jack, the Christian who trustfully let himself be led from exchange to exchange, from interpretation to interpretation, not really soon hold in his hand, instead of the gold with which he began, only a whetstone which he can be confidently recommended to throw away?
- Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Introduction to Christianity (1968)
The lump of gold that was too heavy and troublesome for him he exchanged successively, so as to be more comfortable, for a horse, a cow, a goose, and a whetstone, which he finally threw into the water without losing much more; on the contrary, what he now gained in exchange, so he thought, was the precious gift of complete freedom. How long his intoxication lasted, how sombre the moment of awakening from the illusion of his supposed liberation, is left by the story, as is well known, to the imagination of the reader.
The worried Christian of today is often bothered by questions like these: has our theology in the last few years not taken in many ways a similar path? Has it not gradually watered down the demands of faith, which had been found all too demanding, always only so little that nothing important seemed to be lost, yet always so much that it was soon possible to venture on the next step? And will poor Jack, the Christian who trustfully let himself be led from exchange to exchange, from interpretation to interpretation, not really soon hold in his hand, instead of the gold with which he began, only a whetstone which he can be confidently recommended to throw away?
- Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Introduction to Christianity (1968)
Friday 3 December 2010
Training vs 'Tekan'
Today one of our trainers said that whether something is training or 'tekan' (Malay for 'punishment') depends on our attitude.
We think that doing 20 push-ups for exercise is training, while doing 20 push-ups for being tardy is 'tekan'. So what's the difference? It's not the act of doing 20 push-ups. It's the context in which the 20 push-ups are done.
But even if we end up doing 20 push-ups for being tardy, isn't it still a form of training? Doing 20 push-ups can be seen as training (positive) or 'tekan' (negative). It depends on how we look at it.
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." - Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
Trials vs Temptations
So it is with the will of God. Whether something is a trial or a temptation depends on our attitude. More precisely, whether a trial becomes a temptation depends on our attitude.
1. God does not tempt us.
"When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone." - James 1:13 (NIV)
2. Nevertheless, God puts us through trials to test our faithfulness to Him and - more importantly - to prove His faithfulness to us.
"But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." - Job 23:8-10 (NIV)
3. A trial becomes a temptation when we start blaming it on ourselves, others and ultimately God.
"But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed." - James 1:14 (NIV)
Something which we do not want can be seen as a trial (positive) or a temptation (negative). It depends on how we look at it.
""Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing." - Job 1:21-22 (NIV)
""Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said." - Job 2:10 (NIV)
"Then Job replied to the LORD: "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.' My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."" - Job 42:1-6 (NIV)
4. Even then, God in His sovereignty and mercy will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear.
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
5. Furthermore, even when we are tempted and fall to temptation, God works our free choices for His glory and our good - if we repent and return to Him.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Can we find a friend so faithful?
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." - Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)
Links: Discipline and Security (23 Oct 10), True Training (25 Oct 10), Training and Development (14 Nov 10)
We think that doing 20 push-ups for exercise is training, while doing 20 push-ups for being tardy is 'tekan'. So what's the difference? It's not the act of doing 20 push-ups. It's the context in which the 20 push-ups are done.
But even if we end up doing 20 push-ups for being tardy, isn't it still a form of training? Doing 20 push-ups can be seen as training (positive) or 'tekan' (negative). It depends on how we look at it.
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." - Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
Trials vs Temptations
So it is with the will of God. Whether something is a trial or a temptation depends on our attitude. More precisely, whether a trial becomes a temptation depends on our attitude.
1. God does not tempt us.
"When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone." - James 1:13 (NIV)
2. Nevertheless, God puts us through trials to test our faithfulness to Him and - more importantly - to prove His faithfulness to us.
"But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." - Job 23:8-10 (NIV)
3. A trial becomes a temptation when we start blaming it on ourselves, others and ultimately God.
"But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed." - James 1:14 (NIV)
Something which we do not want can be seen as a trial (positive) or a temptation (negative). It depends on how we look at it.
""Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing." - Job 1:21-22 (NIV)
""Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said." - Job 2:10 (NIV)
"Then Job replied to the LORD: "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.' My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."" - Job 42:1-6 (NIV)
4. Even then, God in His sovereignty and mercy will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear.
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
5. Furthermore, even when we are tempted and fall to temptation, God works our free choices for His glory and our good - if we repent and return to Him.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer
Can we find a friend so faithful?
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." - Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)
Links: Discipline and Security (23 Oct 10), True Training (25 Oct 10), Training and Development (14 Nov 10)
Wednesday 1 December 2010
Nov 22 to 30
Nov 22: "My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore." - Psalm 131 (NIV)
Nov 23: "He swore an oath to the LORD and made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob: "I will not enter my house or go to my bed - I will allow no sleep to my eyes, no slumber to my eyelids, till I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."" - Psalm 132:2-5 (NIV)
Nov 24: "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers." - 1 Peter 3:7 (NIV)
Nov 25: "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Nov 26: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Nov 27: "For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." - 2 Peter 1:8 (NIV)
Nov 28: "Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God."" - Daniel 3:28 (NIV)
Nov 29: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)
Nov 30: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
Nov 23: "He swore an oath to the LORD and made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob: "I will not enter my house or go to my bed - I will allow no sleep to my eyes, no slumber to my eyelids, till I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."" - Psalm 132:2-5 (NIV)
Nov 24: "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers." - 1 Peter 3:7 (NIV)
Nov 25: "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Nov 26: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Nov 27: "For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." - 2 Peter 1:8 (NIV)
Nov 28: "Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God."" - Daniel 3:28 (NIV)
Nov 29: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)
Nov 30: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
Sunday 28 November 2010
According to God's Will
There are days when I feel that being a Captain of Lives is a noble calling. There are also days when I feel overwhelmed by the challenge. They may be the same days.
But the question is not what I feel about being a uniformed prison officer. The question is whether it is God's will for me to be a uniformed prison officer. And the answer is yes.
But the question is not what I feel about being a uniformed prison officer. The question is whether it is God's will for me to be a uniformed prison officer. And the answer is yes.
Saturday 27 November 2010
According to Plan
I'm doing an after action review for something at the moment and it's amazing (though not at all surprising) how nothing ever goes according to plan.
"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."" - James 4:13-15 (NIV)
As much as we plan for things to happen, we cannot control what happens all the time. But we can trust the One who knows the future and works all things for His glory and our good, according to His plan.
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." - Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." - Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."" - James 4:13-15 (NIV)
As much as we plan for things to happen, we cannot control what happens all the time. But we can trust the One who knows the future and works all things for His glory and our good, according to His plan.
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." - Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." - Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Friday 26 November 2010
Prayer Changes Things
We had an interesting discussion at cell group this evening on whether prayer changes things.
Does prayer change things? One view is that prayer doesn't change things - it simply changes us and aligns us to God's will. But this assumes that our prayers and God's will are mutually exclusive.
(Then why pray? Because God commands us to pray? Of course, God commands us to pray. But surely God commands us to pray precisely because prayer changes things, not in spite of the fact that prayer doesn't change things!)
Why assume that our prayers and God's will are mutually exclusive? Why not rather say that our prayers and God's will are related? In particular, our prayers are the means by which God accomplishes His will - His good, pleasing and perfect will.
For example, it is God's will that 'we may gain a heart of wisdom' (Psalm 90:12, NIV). At the same time, God commands us to ask Him for wisdom.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." - James 1:5 (NIV)
Praying for wisdom is the means by which God gives us wisdom. This is not to say that God only gives us wisdom when we ask for it. Certainly, God in His sovereignty and mercy also gives us wisdom even when we do not ask for it. The point is that God hears our prayers when we ask Him for wisdom.
Indeed, James goes on to say that 'you do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures' (James 4:2-3, NIV).
An Objection
One might object that this view - that our prayers are the means by which God accomplishes His will - makes God dependent on us. However, there is a difference between a) God changing His mind based on His latest knowledge of our free choices as they come to pass and b) God working all things for His glory and our good based on His infallible foreknowledge of our free choices from eternity. The first position is the open theist position and the second position is the middle knowledge position.
The open theist position holds that the future is open (hence the name "open theism") because God cannot know the future. On the other hand, the middle knowledge position holds that God is in control of all things because He knows the future and works our free choices - including our prayers - for His glory and our good. (Calvinism holds that God is in control of all things because He causes our choices, which are not free.)
Personally, I believe that prayer changes things. Not because God depends on our prayers, but because God responds to our prayers!
The Middle Knowledge Position
God's knowledge of what we could freely choose to do in all possible worlds is His natural knowledge, His knowledge of all things by the very nature of who He is.
God's knowledge of what we will do in this particular world - the world which God has created and we live in - is His free knowledge, His knowledge of the world which He has freely created. And this particular world is the best possible world in which all things work 'for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28, NIV). In creating the best possible world, God works our free choices for His glory and our good.
God's knowledge of what we would freely do in all possible worlds is His middle knowledge, His knowledge of what happens between His natural knowledge and His free knowledge (hence the name "middle knowledge").
*Knowing what we would freely do in all possible worlds, God freely creates the best possible world in which our free choices only ever work for His glory and our good.*
Links: Prayer According to God's Will (5 Dec 10), A Molinist View of Prayer (31 Dec 10)
Does prayer change things? One view is that prayer doesn't change things - it simply changes us and aligns us to God's will. But this assumes that our prayers and God's will are mutually exclusive.
(Then why pray? Because God commands us to pray? Of course, God commands us to pray. But surely God commands us to pray precisely because prayer changes things, not in spite of the fact that prayer doesn't change things!)
Why assume that our prayers and God's will are mutually exclusive? Why not rather say that our prayers and God's will are related? In particular, our prayers are the means by which God accomplishes His will - His good, pleasing and perfect will.
For example, it is God's will that 'we may gain a heart of wisdom' (Psalm 90:12, NIV). At the same time, God commands us to ask Him for wisdom.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." - James 1:5 (NIV)
Praying for wisdom is the means by which God gives us wisdom. This is not to say that God only gives us wisdom when we ask for it. Certainly, God in His sovereignty and mercy also gives us wisdom even when we do not ask for it. The point is that God hears our prayers when we ask Him for wisdom.
Indeed, James goes on to say that 'you do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures' (James 4:2-3, NIV).
An Objection
One might object that this view - that our prayers are the means by which God accomplishes His will - makes God dependent on us. However, there is a difference between a) God changing His mind based on His latest knowledge of our free choices as they come to pass and b) God working all things for His glory and our good based on His infallible foreknowledge of our free choices from eternity. The first position is the open theist position and the second position is the middle knowledge position.
The open theist position holds that the future is open (hence the name "open theism") because God cannot know the future. On the other hand, the middle knowledge position holds that God is in control of all things because He knows the future and works our free choices - including our prayers - for His glory and our good. (Calvinism holds that God is in control of all things because He causes our choices, which are not free.)
Personally, I believe that prayer changes things. Not because God depends on our prayers, but because God responds to our prayers!
The Middle Knowledge Position
God's knowledge of what we could freely choose to do in all possible worlds is His natural knowledge, His knowledge of all things by the very nature of who He is.
God's knowledge of what we will do in this particular world - the world which God has created and we live in - is His free knowledge, His knowledge of the world which He has freely created. And this particular world is the best possible world in which all things work 'for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28, NIV). In creating the best possible world, God works our free choices for His glory and our good.
God's knowledge of what we would freely do in all possible worlds is His middle knowledge, His knowledge of what happens between His natural knowledge and His free knowledge (hence the name "middle knowledge").
*Knowing what we would freely do in all possible worlds, God freely creates the best possible world in which our free choices only ever work for His glory and our good.*
Links: Prayer According to God's Will (5 Dec 10), A Molinist View of Prayer (31 Dec 10)
Monday 22 November 2010
Nov 15 to 21
Nov 15: "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." - Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)
Nov 16: "May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." - Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)
Nov 17: "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." - James 1:5 (NIV)
Nov 18: "Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways." - Psalm 128:1 (NIV)
Nov 19: "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." - James 3:13 (NIV)
Nov 20: "Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."" - James 4:15 (NIV)
Nov 21: "As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." - James 5:11 (NIV)
Nov 16: "May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." - Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)
Nov 17: "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." - James 1:5 (NIV)
Nov 18: "Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways." - Psalm 128:1 (NIV)
Nov 19: "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." - James 3:13 (NIV)
Nov 20: "Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."" - James 4:15 (NIV)
Nov 21: "As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." - James 5:11 (NIV)
Monday 15 November 2010
Nov 8 to 14
Nov 8: "The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" - Hebrews 9:13-14 (NIV)
Nov 9: "For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!" - Ezekiel 18:32 (NIV)
Nov 10: "And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." - Hebrews 10:10 (NIV)
Nov 11: "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." - Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
Nov 12: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Nov 13: "Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." - Psalm 124:8 (NIV)
Nov 14: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." - Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
Nov 9: "For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!" - Ezekiel 18:32 (NIV)
Nov 10: "And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." - Hebrews 10:10 (NIV)
Nov 11: "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." - Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
Nov 12: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Nov 13: "Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." - Psalm 124:8 (NIV)
Nov 14: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." - Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
Sunday 14 November 2010
Training and Development
I'm reading the Bible in one year and the New Testament reading for Nov 14 is Hebrews 12:1-13.
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." - Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
I'm about to embark on my 4th week of residential training at the Home Team Academy and this is a timely reminder that training involves discipline.
If security is the foundation for rehabilitation, how much more is discipline the foundation for personal development!
"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." - 1 Corinthians 9:25 (NIV)
"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." - 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)
"But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." - Hebrews 5:14 (NIV)
Links: Discipline and Security (23 Oct 10), True Training (25 Oct 10), Training vs 'Tekan' (3 Dec 10)
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." - Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
I'm about to embark on my 4th week of residential training at the Home Team Academy and this is a timely reminder that training involves discipline.
If security is the foundation for rehabilitation, how much more is discipline the foundation for personal development!
"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." - 1 Corinthians 9:25 (NIV)
"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." - 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)
"But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." - Hebrews 5:14 (NIV)
Links: Discipline and Security (23 Oct 10), True Training (25 Oct 10), Training vs 'Tekan' (3 Dec 10)
Saturday 13 November 2010
More on Baptism and Covenant Theology
What do we mean when we say "covenantal"? In Scripture God's covenant is his self-giving to his family among humanity. As the means by which he promises salvation and restoration, the covenant is a life-and-death kind of bond signified and sealed by physical symbols. This covenant involves two parties, but it is neither a contract drawn up by nor an agreement reached between two parties. It is sovereignly and unilaterally disposed.
God establishes his covenant with his people. His people receive it, but they do not contribute to its construction. God's covenant is complete as such, prior to any response to it. In this sense God's covenant is unconditional, but this unconditional covenant operates in a carefully conditioned fashion since its grace carries in its wake obligations for the covenanted party.
In the Mosaic covenant Yahweh presents himself as having kept his covenant as the Lord who would bring his people out of bondage in Egypt (Exodus 20:2). The people do not complete the covenant by having "no other gods before" the Lord (Exodus 20:3). Rather having no other gods represents one way they are to respond to the already completed covenant - by fulfilling the obligations and implications of this redemptive grace.
The redemptive covenants of Scripture all have this structure. Given to people already under the curse, they offer the blessing of salvation to those who trust and obey. If the people spurn the covenant in unbelief and disobedience, the curse remains. This is the pattern with Noah (Genesis 5:29; 6:13; 8:21), with Abraham (Genesis 15:7-21) and also with Moses (Exodus 6:2-8; 34:10-28; Deuteronomy 28-30). The pattern finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. He enters into humanity's accursed situation and bears the divine anathema so that the blessing promised to Abraham might come to the Gentiles (Galatians 3:13-14; cf. the cry of dereliction Mark 15:34).
Baptism is now the inaugural symbol of what God does in this new covenant in Christ, in which those who are united to the covenant curse-bearing Saviour enter into every spiritual blessing in union to Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14).
Interestingly the two "baptisms" in the Old Testament to which the New Testament makes reference are both water ordeals related to God's forging of a "new" covenant relationship through Noah (ie. the flood, 1 Peter 3:20-21) and Moses (ie. the passage through the Red Sea, 1 Corinthians 10:2). Like Noah and Moses, Jesus Christ had a baptism (water ordeal) to be baptised with to forge his covenant between God and man (Luke 12:50).
- Sinclair B. Ferguson in David F. Wright (ed.), Baptism: Three Views
It could be argued that if grace were resistible, then we would be contributing to our salvation - by choosing to receive or resist grace. Hence, grace must be irresistible for salvation to be by grace alone.
However, the nature of grace is such that the graciousness of grace lies in how grace is given, not in how grace is received. In other words, grace is grace simply and solely because it is graciously given by God. It is not any more if we receive it; nor is it any less if we resist it. Whether we receive or resist grace, grace is still grace! Therefore, grace need not be irresistible for salvation to be by grace alone.
Sinclair B. Ferguson himself writes that 'God establishes his covenant with his people. His people receive it, but they do not contribute to its construction. God's covenant is complete as such, prior to any response to it.' If we do not contribute to the construction of God's covenant by obeying it, how much more do we not contribute to our salvation by receiving (resistible) grace!
Just because God's covenant is unconditionally given does not mean that it is unconditionally received. Rather, God's covenant is unconditionally given (by God) and conditionally received (by us).
Again, just because God's grace is irresistibly given does not mean that it is irresistibly received. Rather, God's grace is irresistibly given (by God) and resistibly received (by us).
*****
Total Depravity - Yes
Unconditional Election - Unconditionally Given and Conditionally Received
Limited Atonement - Unlimitedly Given and Limitedly Received
Irresistible Grace - Irresistibly Given and Resistibly Received
Perseverance of the Saints - Yes
Link: Baptism and Covenant Theology (14 Aug 10)
God establishes his covenant with his people. His people receive it, but they do not contribute to its construction. God's covenant is complete as such, prior to any response to it. In this sense God's covenant is unconditional, but this unconditional covenant operates in a carefully conditioned fashion since its grace carries in its wake obligations for the covenanted party.
In the Mosaic covenant Yahweh presents himself as having kept his covenant as the Lord who would bring his people out of bondage in Egypt (Exodus 20:2). The people do not complete the covenant by having "no other gods before" the Lord (Exodus 20:3). Rather having no other gods represents one way they are to respond to the already completed covenant - by fulfilling the obligations and implications of this redemptive grace.
The redemptive covenants of Scripture all have this structure. Given to people already under the curse, they offer the blessing of salvation to those who trust and obey. If the people spurn the covenant in unbelief and disobedience, the curse remains. This is the pattern with Noah (Genesis 5:29; 6:13; 8:21), with Abraham (Genesis 15:7-21) and also with Moses (Exodus 6:2-8; 34:10-28; Deuteronomy 28-30). The pattern finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. He enters into humanity's accursed situation and bears the divine anathema so that the blessing promised to Abraham might come to the Gentiles (Galatians 3:13-14; cf. the cry of dereliction Mark 15:34).
Baptism is now the inaugural symbol of what God does in this new covenant in Christ, in which those who are united to the covenant curse-bearing Saviour enter into every spiritual blessing in union to Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14).
Interestingly the two "baptisms" in the Old Testament to which the New Testament makes reference are both water ordeals related to God's forging of a "new" covenant relationship through Noah (ie. the flood, 1 Peter 3:20-21) and Moses (ie. the passage through the Red Sea, 1 Corinthians 10:2). Like Noah and Moses, Jesus Christ had a baptism (water ordeal) to be baptised with to forge his covenant between God and man (Luke 12:50).
- Sinclair B. Ferguson in David F. Wright (ed.), Baptism: Three Views
It could be argued that if grace were resistible, then we would be contributing to our salvation - by choosing to receive or resist grace. Hence, grace must be irresistible for salvation to be by grace alone.
However, the nature of grace is such that the graciousness of grace lies in how grace is given, not in how grace is received. In other words, grace is grace simply and solely because it is graciously given by God. It is not any more if we receive it; nor is it any less if we resist it. Whether we receive or resist grace, grace is still grace! Therefore, grace need not be irresistible for salvation to be by grace alone.
Sinclair B. Ferguson himself writes that 'God establishes his covenant with his people. His people receive it, but they do not contribute to its construction. God's covenant is complete as such, prior to any response to it.' If we do not contribute to the construction of God's covenant by obeying it, how much more do we not contribute to our salvation by receiving (resistible) grace!
Just because God's covenant is unconditionally given does not mean that it is unconditionally received. Rather, God's covenant is unconditionally given (by God) and conditionally received (by us).
Again, just because God's grace is irresistibly given does not mean that it is irresistibly received. Rather, God's grace is irresistibly given (by God) and resistibly received (by us).
*****
Total Depravity - Yes
Unconditional Election - Unconditionally Given and Conditionally Received
Limited Atonement - Unlimitedly Given and Limitedly Received
Irresistible Grace - Irresistibly Given and Resistibly Received
Perseverance of the Saints - Yes
Link: Baptism and Covenant Theology (14 Aug 10)
Friday 12 November 2010
The LORD is Peace
Gideon went in, prepared a young goat, and from an ephah of flour he made bread without yeast. Putting the meat in a basket and its broth in a pot, he brought them out and offered them to [the LORD] under the oak.
The angel of God said to him, "Take the meat and the unleavened bread, place them on this rock, and pour out the broth." And Gideon did so. With the tip of the staff that was in his hand, the angel of the LORD touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And the angel of the LORD disappeared. When Gideon realised that it was the angel of the LORD, he exclaimed, "Ah, Sovereign LORD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!"
But the LORD said to him, "Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die."
So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
- Judges 6:19-24 (NIV)
Shalom is a Hebrew word, so much richer in its range of meanings than the English word "peace", which usually refers to the absence of outward conflict or to a state of inner calm. The concept of shalom includes these ideas but goes beyond them, meaning "wholeness", "completeness", "finished word", "perfection", "safety" or "wellness".
Shalom comes from living in harmony with God. The fruit of that harmony is harmony with others, prosperity, health, satisfaction, soundness, wholeness, and well-being. When you pray to Yahweh Shalom, you are praying to the source of all peace. No wonder his Son is called the Prince of Peace...
Yahweh Shalom is a title rather than a name of God. Shalom is a common term for greeting or farewell in modern Israel. When you say shalom, you are not simply saying "Hello" or "Have a Good Day". In its deepest meaning, it expresses the hope that the person you are greeting may be well in every sense of the word - fulfilled, satisfied, prosperous, healthy and in harmony with themselves, others and God.
Shalom is a covenant word, an expression of God's faithful relationship with his people.
- Ann Spangler, The Names of God
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - John 14:27 (NIV)
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." - Romans 5:1 (NIV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
The angel of God said to him, "Take the meat and the unleavened bread, place them on this rock, and pour out the broth." And Gideon did so. With the tip of the staff that was in his hand, the angel of the LORD touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And the angel of the LORD disappeared. When Gideon realised that it was the angel of the LORD, he exclaimed, "Ah, Sovereign LORD! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!"
But the LORD said to him, "Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die."
So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
- Judges 6:19-24 (NIV)
Shalom is a Hebrew word, so much richer in its range of meanings than the English word "peace", which usually refers to the absence of outward conflict or to a state of inner calm. The concept of shalom includes these ideas but goes beyond them, meaning "wholeness", "completeness", "finished word", "perfection", "safety" or "wellness".
Shalom comes from living in harmony with God. The fruit of that harmony is harmony with others, prosperity, health, satisfaction, soundness, wholeness, and well-being. When you pray to Yahweh Shalom, you are praying to the source of all peace. No wonder his Son is called the Prince of Peace...
Yahweh Shalom is a title rather than a name of God. Shalom is a common term for greeting or farewell in modern Israel. When you say shalom, you are not simply saying "Hello" or "Have a Good Day". In its deepest meaning, it expresses the hope that the person you are greeting may be well in every sense of the word - fulfilled, satisfied, prosperous, healthy and in harmony with themselves, others and God.
Shalom is a covenant word, an expression of God's faithful relationship with his people.
- Ann Spangler, The Names of God
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - John 14:27 (NIV)
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." - Romans 5:1 (NIV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Monday 8 November 2010
Nov 1 to 7
Nov 1: "Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity." - Joel 2:13 (NIV)
Nov 2: "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
Nov 3: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin." - Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)
Nov 4: "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." - Hebrews 5:14 (NIV)
Nov 5: "And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised." - Hebrews 6:15 (NIV)
Nov 6: "Such a high priest meets our need - one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens." - Hebrews 7:26 (NIV)
Nov 7: "I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me." - Psalm 120:1 (NIV)
Nov 2: "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
Nov 3: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin." - Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)
Nov 4: "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." - Hebrews 5:14 (NIV)
Nov 5: "And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised." - Hebrews 6:15 (NIV)
Nov 6: "Such a high priest meets our need - one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens." - Hebrews 7:26 (NIV)
Nov 7: "I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me." - Psalm 120:1 (NIV)
Friday 5 November 2010
Remember, remember the 5th of November
405 years ago, Guy Fawkes - who was baptised as an infant in York no less - tried (and failed) to blow up the House of Lords.
4 years ago, I completed my NS on 5 Nov 06.
What do you remember? The affliction and the wandering? The bitterness and the gall? Or the LORD's great faithfulness, mercy and love?
"I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."" - Lamentations 3:19-24 (NIV)
Do Not Forget the LORD
"Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands." - Deuteronomy 8:2 (NIV)
"When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day." - Deuteronomy 8:10-11 (NIV)
"You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today." - Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (NIV)
4 years ago, I completed my NS on 5 Nov 06.
What do you remember? The affliction and the wandering? The bitterness and the gall? Or the LORD's great faithfulness, mercy and love?
"I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."" - Lamentations 3:19-24 (NIV)
Do Not Forget the LORD
"Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands." - Deuteronomy 8:2 (NIV)
"When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day." - Deuteronomy 8:10-11 (NIV)
"You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today." - Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (NIV)
Thursday 4 November 2010
Setting the Standard
Today I was reminded to set the standard in what I do. Not just for others, but for myself. To be a captain in the lives of offenders committed to your custody, you must first be a captain of your own life.
Before you lead others, you must first lead yourself. Before you lead yourself, you must first follow faithful men and women and above all, 'follow the example of Christ' (1 Corinthians 11:1, NIV).
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
"Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." - Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
Before you lead others, you must first lead yourself. Before you lead yourself, you must first follow faithful men and women and above all, 'follow the example of Christ' (1 Corinthians 11:1, NIV).
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
"Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." - Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
Monday 1 November 2010
Oct 22 to 31
Oct 22: "My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word." - Psalm 119:81 (NIV)
Oct 23: "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." - 2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV)
Oct 24: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
Oct 25: "Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long." - Psalm 119:97 (NIV)
Oct 26: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." - Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
Oct 27: "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour." - Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV)
Oct 28: "Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives." - Titus 3:14 (NIV)
Oct 29: "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." - Philemon 6 (NIV)
Oct 30: "Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD." - Lamentations 3:40 (NIV)
Oct 31: "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." - Hebrews 2:18 (NIV)
Oct 23: "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." - 2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV)
Oct 24: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
Oct 25: "Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long." - Psalm 119:97 (NIV)
Oct 26: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." - Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
Oct 27: "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour." - Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV)
Oct 28: "Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives." - Titus 3:14 (NIV)
Oct 29: "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." - Philemon 6 (NIV)
Oct 30: "Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD." - Lamentations 3:40 (NIV)
Oct 31: "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." - Hebrews 2:18 (NIV)
Sunday 31 October 2010
Moves for Life
Contrary to popular belief, chess is a serious sport, and it is a game that young people should be encouraged to take part in. It is an important game in many respects, the main benefit being that it contributes to the development of strategic thinking as well as concentration, analytical skills and problem solving. These are traits that are very important for school going children.
Honoured guests,
Chess is by far one of the oldest and most played games in the world. It cuts across intellectual, age and language barriers and can therefore be enjoyed by people from across the world. It has stood the test of time, and even new technology-driven games have not killed the game of chess, which makes veteran players like myself very happy.
I learned to play chess under unfavourable conditions, while on Robben Island serving a 10 year prison sentence. Political prisoners used to sustain and strengthen themselves during incarceration through sports like soccer, rugby, table tennis, morabaraba, bridge, patience and casino card games as well as chess. We used to make chess boards from thin cardboard and chess pieces from corks.
Given the opportunity, I would have loved to learn how to play at an earlier stage of my life. That is because knowing how to play the game can prove to be invaluable for any young person. That is why we want to convince parents and teachers that chess is one of the most powerful educational tools available to strengthen and enhance a child's mind.
No amount of video games can teach a child the same level of patience, strategic thinking, concentration, analytical skills and the attention to detail that they would gain from this timeless intellectual game. A successful chess player will not only successfully analyse the situation in front of him or her, but will draw lessons from a host of previous actions.
Chess therefore enhances the ability to make thoughtful, considered, strategic decisions under pressure. These are the same skills that are essential for effective examination performance at school, and also for decision making when one is entrusted with serious leadership positions at work or in the community.
Most importantly, the fact that advanced chess players demonstrate increased expertise in the making of tough and abstract decisions, makes them excel in subjects such as mathematics. The reason is that chess helps one to significantly improve memory. This skill can easily be transferred to subjects where memory is necessary such as mathematics.
As government, we will promote this game in schools so that we can ensure that children who enter grade one matriculate with Mathematics as a subject.
Honoured guests,
It is evident that chess is more than just a game or a hobby. It is a way of life. You will then understand why we are encouraging young people to play chess at an early age.
In summary, the benefits that accumulate from the teaching and promotion of chess in schools include the following:
1. The game teaches patience. You have to give the opponent time and space to think and make his or her own move.
2. It teaches that a decision must be an outcome of a serious thought process.
3. Chess teaches discipline, for example as chess players would know, "touch is a move". When you touch, you must move, you have to be disciplined.
4. Chess teaches fairness. You alert the opponent before you strike, and keep them informed of your moves and intentions. Players know that once the king is under threat you alert your opponent by saying "check". When you are convinced that he or she can no longer protect the king, you say "checkmate" to indicate that you have closed the game.
This decorum will teach the children that an opponent during a sports game is not an enemy but just a contestant that they must cooperate with. They will learn to deal with opposition of any kind in a mature and tolerant way.
These are benefits that should make us all promote this important game to our youth.
- Remarks by His Excellency President Jacob Zuma at the Gala Dinner of Moves for Life Chess Programme, Gallagher Estate, Midrand
Honoured guests,
Chess is by far one of the oldest and most played games in the world. It cuts across intellectual, age and language barriers and can therefore be enjoyed by people from across the world. It has stood the test of time, and even new technology-driven games have not killed the game of chess, which makes veteran players like myself very happy.
I learned to play chess under unfavourable conditions, while on Robben Island serving a 10 year prison sentence. Political prisoners used to sustain and strengthen themselves during incarceration through sports like soccer, rugby, table tennis, morabaraba, bridge, patience and casino card games as well as chess. We used to make chess boards from thin cardboard and chess pieces from corks.
Given the opportunity, I would have loved to learn how to play at an earlier stage of my life. That is because knowing how to play the game can prove to be invaluable for any young person. That is why we want to convince parents and teachers that chess is one of the most powerful educational tools available to strengthen and enhance a child's mind.
No amount of video games can teach a child the same level of patience, strategic thinking, concentration, analytical skills and the attention to detail that they would gain from this timeless intellectual game. A successful chess player will not only successfully analyse the situation in front of him or her, but will draw lessons from a host of previous actions.
Chess therefore enhances the ability to make thoughtful, considered, strategic decisions under pressure. These are the same skills that are essential for effective examination performance at school, and also for decision making when one is entrusted with serious leadership positions at work or in the community.
Most importantly, the fact that advanced chess players demonstrate increased expertise in the making of tough and abstract decisions, makes them excel in subjects such as mathematics. The reason is that chess helps one to significantly improve memory. This skill can easily be transferred to subjects where memory is necessary such as mathematics.
As government, we will promote this game in schools so that we can ensure that children who enter grade one matriculate with Mathematics as a subject.
Honoured guests,
It is evident that chess is more than just a game or a hobby. It is a way of life. You will then understand why we are encouraging young people to play chess at an early age.
In summary, the benefits that accumulate from the teaching and promotion of chess in schools include the following:
1. The game teaches patience. You have to give the opponent time and space to think and make his or her own move.
2. It teaches that a decision must be an outcome of a serious thought process.
3. Chess teaches discipline, for example as chess players would know, "touch is a move". When you touch, you must move, you have to be disciplined.
4. Chess teaches fairness. You alert the opponent before you strike, and keep them informed of your moves and intentions. Players know that once the king is under threat you alert your opponent by saying "check". When you are convinced that he or she can no longer protect the king, you say "checkmate" to indicate that you have closed the game.
This decorum will teach the children that an opponent during a sports game is not an enemy but just a contestant that they must cooperate with. They will learn to deal with opposition of any kind in a mature and tolerant way.
These are benefits that should make us all promote this important game to our youth.
- Remarks by His Excellency President Jacob Zuma at the Gala Dinner of Moves for Life Chess Programme, Gallagher Estate, Midrand
Monday 25 October 2010
True Training
The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one's "own", or "real" life. The truth is of course that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one's real life - the life God is sending one day by day; what one calls one's "real life" is a phantom of one's own imagination. This at least is what I see at moments of insight; but it's hard to remember it all the time.
- C. S. Lewis, The Quotable Lewis
Training will not be an interruption of my life. Training will be my life, if only for a time.
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
"That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil - this is the gift of God." - Ecclesiastes 3:13 (NIV)
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
The next 9 months of training will also be a good time to fast from the internet (on weekdays) and spend more time reading the Bible and praying.
"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." - 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)
Links: Discipline and Security (23 Oct 10), Training and Development (14 Nov 10), Training vs 'Tekan' (3 Dec 10)
- C. S. Lewis, The Quotable Lewis
Training will not be an interruption of my life. Training will be my life, if only for a time.
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
"That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil - this is the gift of God." - Ecclesiastes 3:13 (NIV)
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
The next 9 months of training will also be a good time to fast from the internet (on weekdays) and spend more time reading the Bible and praying.
"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." - 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)
Links: Discipline and Security (23 Oct 10), Training and Development (14 Nov 10), Training vs 'Tekan' (3 Dec 10)
Sunday 24 October 2010
Determinism and Free Will
"Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you represents determinism; the way you play it is free will." - Jawaharlal Nehru, First Prime Minister of India (1947-1964)
"From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us." - Acts 17:26-27 (NIV)
"From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us." - Acts 17:26-27 (NIV)
Saturday 23 October 2010
Discipline and Security
To be a captain in the lives of offenders committed to your custody, you must first be a captain of your own life. If security is the foundation for rehabilitation, how much more is discipline the foundation for personal development!
"The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair... The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." - Proverbs 1:1-3, 7 (NIV)
Wisdom before wife, discipline before development!
Links: True Training (25 Oct 10), Training and Development (14 Nov 10), Training vs 'Tekan' (3 Dec 10)
"The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair... The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." - Proverbs 1:1-3, 7 (NIV)
Wisdom before wife, discipline before development!
Links: True Training (25 Oct 10), Training and Development (14 Nov 10), Training vs 'Tekan' (3 Dec 10)
Friday 22 October 2010
Oct 15 to 21
Oct 15: "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." - 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)
Oct 16: "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life." - 1 Timothy 1:15-16 (NIV)
Oct 17: "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men - the testimony given in its proper time." - 1 Timothy 2:5-6 (NIV)
Oct 18: "I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands." - Psalm 119:60 (NIV)
Oct 19: "Pray that the LORD your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do." - Jeremiah 42:3 (NIV)
Oct 20: "The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden." - 1 Timothy 5:24-25 (NIV)
Oct 21: "But godliness with contentment is great gain." - 1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)
Oct 16: "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life." - 1 Timothy 1:15-16 (NIV)
Oct 17: "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men - the testimony given in its proper time." - 1 Timothy 2:5-6 (NIV)
Oct 18: "I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands." - Psalm 119:60 (NIV)
Oct 19: "Pray that the LORD your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do." - Jeremiah 42:3 (NIV)
Oct 20: "The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden." - 1 Timothy 5:24-25 (NIV)
Oct 21: "But godliness with contentment is great gain." - 1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)
Sunday 17 October 2010
More Precious than Rubies
Proverbs 31:10-31 is about the wife of noble character. But more importantly, it is about wisdom. Indeed, the book of Proverbs is more than just a book about the complete wife. It is a book about the complete life.
"Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her." - Proverbs 3:13-15 (NIV)
"Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her." - Proverbs 8:10-11 (NIV)
"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." - Proverbs 31:10 (NIV)
Instead of focusing on finding a Proverbs 31 woman (who cannot be found anyway except by God's grace), why not focus on being a Psalm 112 man? This is the way of finding wisdom, 'fear[ing] the LORD [and] find[ing] great delight in his commands' (Psalm 112:1, NIV).
God does not promise to give each of us a wife (or husband). But God does promise to give each of us wisdom - if we ask Him!
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." - James 1:5 (NIV)
Seek wisdom before seeking a wife (or husband). Wisdom before wife!
"Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her." - Proverbs 3:13-15 (NIV)
"Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her." - Proverbs 8:10-11 (NIV)
"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." - Proverbs 31:10 (NIV)
Instead of focusing on finding a Proverbs 31 woman (who cannot be found anyway except by God's grace), why not focus on being a Psalm 112 man? This is the way of finding wisdom, 'fear[ing] the LORD [and] find[ing] great delight in his commands' (Psalm 112:1, NIV).
God does not promise to give each of us a wife (or husband). But God does promise to give each of us wisdom - if we ask Him!
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." - James 1:5 (NIV)
Seek wisdom before seeking a wife (or husband). Wisdom before wife!
Saturday 16 October 2010
Daily
Things could be better. But then, they could be worse - but for the grace of God!
"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."" - Lamentations 3:22-24 (NIV)
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not; Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
"Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway." - Proverbs 8:34 (NIV)
"This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'" - Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?" - Luke 9:23-25 (NIV)
First things first. One step at a time. One day at a time.
O to grace, how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart, O take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above
"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."" - Lamentations 3:22-24 (NIV)
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not; Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
"Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway." - Proverbs 8:34 (NIV)
"This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'" - Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?" - Luke 9:23-25 (NIV)
First things first. One step at a time. One day at a time.
O to grace, how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart, O take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above
Friday 15 October 2010
Oct 8 to 14
Oct 8: "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." - Colossians 4:6 (NIV)
Oct 9: "Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD." - Psalm 119:1 (NIV)
Oct 10: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word." - Psalm 119:9 (NIV)
Oct 11: "Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house." - Proverbs 24:27 (NIV)
Oct 12: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Oct 13: "I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." - Psalm 119:32 (NIV)
Oct 14: "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." - 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV)
Oct 9: "Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD." - Psalm 119:1 (NIV)
Oct 10: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word." - Psalm 119:9 (NIV)
Oct 11: "Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house." - Proverbs 24:27 (NIV)
Oct 12: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Oct 13: "I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." - Psalm 119:32 (NIV)
Oct 14: "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." - 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV)
Monday 11 October 2010
Today
Today is the day my York friends begin a new academic year.
Today is the day one of my church friends enters Officer Cadet School.
Today is the day I enter the Home Team Academy and start training to be a uniformed prison officer for the next 9 months.
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." - Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV)
Links: Why Prisons? (6 Oct 10), 9 Months (9 Oct 10)
Today is the day one of my church friends enters Officer Cadet School.
Today is the day I enter the Home Team Academy and start training to be a uniformed prison officer for the next 9 months.
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." - Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV)
Links: Why Prisons? (6 Oct 10), 9 Months (9 Oct 10)
Sunday 10 October 2010
10 reasons why NS was for my benefit
On 10 Oct 10 (10/10/10), coming to 4 years after I completed my national service (NS) on 5 Nov 06, here are 10 reasons why NS was for my benefit - not all to do with NS in and of itself.
1. NS gave me the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds.
2. NS gave me the experience of working in a uniformed organisation, something which will come in handy as I start work with the Singapore Prison Service.
3. NS gave me the experience of working as a junior officer in a uniformed organisation.
4. NS led me to start this blog on 29 Sep 05, 400 days to my operationally ready date (ORD).
5. I became a Christian during my NS days (I think).
6. In any case, I was baptised during my NS days.
7. NS taught me to trust in God, especially through Romans 8:28, 1 Corinthians 10:13 and 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.
8. NS meant that I would stay with my family in Singapore in 2005 and 2006, in the years immediately after my father passed away in 2004.
9. NS meant that I would go to York in 2007, which in hindsight was exactly the right time for me to go to York.
10. NS, and the news that my application for Masters funding was unsuccessful, meant that I would return to Singapore for good in 2010. I'm gradually seeing God's hand in this.
Given a choice, I would probably not have chosen to do NS. But God had other plans. Better plans. To take a verse out of context, 'surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish!' (Isaiah 38:17, NIV)
1. NS gave me the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds.
2. NS gave me the experience of working in a uniformed organisation, something which will come in handy as I start work with the Singapore Prison Service.
3. NS gave me the experience of working as a junior officer in a uniformed organisation.
4. NS led me to start this blog on 29 Sep 05, 400 days to my operationally ready date (ORD).
5. I became a Christian during my NS days (I think).
6. In any case, I was baptised during my NS days.
7. NS taught me to trust in God, especially through Romans 8:28, 1 Corinthians 10:13 and 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.
8. NS meant that I would stay with my family in Singapore in 2005 and 2006, in the years immediately after my father passed away in 2004.
9. NS meant that I would go to York in 2007, which in hindsight was exactly the right time for me to go to York.
10. NS, and the news that my application for Masters funding was unsuccessful, meant that I would return to Singapore for good in 2010. I'm gradually seeing God's hand in this.
Given a choice, I would probably not have chosen to do NS. But God had other plans. Better plans. To take a verse out of context, 'surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish!' (Isaiah 38:17, NIV)
Saturday 9 October 2010
9 Months
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
This is the last weekend before I enter the Home Team Academy and start training to be a uniformed prison officer for the next 9 months. The days of blogging everyday are over, but I hope to continue with verse(s) of the day.
"Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house." - Proverbs 24:27 (NIV)
First things first. One step at a time.
Links: Why Prisons? (6 Oct 10), Today (11 Oct 10)
This is the last weekend before I enter the Home Team Academy and start training to be a uniformed prison officer for the next 9 months. The days of blogging everyday are over, but I hope to continue with verse(s) of the day.
"Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house." - Proverbs 24:27 (NIV)
First things first. One step at a time.
Links: Why Prisons? (6 Oct 10), Today (11 Oct 10)
Friday 8 October 2010
Offering
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
Doing and Not Doing
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!
- Romans 7:15-25 (NIV)
Whenever I think about the things I have done which I should not have done, and the things I have not done which I should have done, I have to remind myself that God is in control, and He is both sovereign and good. Everything that Heallows ordains to happen (and not happen) is for His glory and our good, whether we realise it or not. One day I will understand.
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." - Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)
"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will." - Ephesians 1:11 (NIV)
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!
- Romans 7:15-25 (NIV)
Whenever I think about the things I have done which I should not have done, and the things I have not done which I should have done, I have to remind myself that God is in control, and He is both sovereign and good. Everything that He
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." - Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 (NIV)
"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will." - Ephesians 1:11 (NIV)
Oct 1 to 7
Oct 1: "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed - not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence - continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." - Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV)
Oct 2: "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." - Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)
Oct 3: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." - Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Oct 4: "the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel" - Colossians 1:6 (NIV)
Oct 5: "This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD." - Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NIV)
Oct 6: "In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free." - Psalm 118:5 (NIV)
Oct 7: "Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, O LORD our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this." - Jeremiah 14:22 (NIV)
Oct 2: "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." - Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)
Oct 3: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." - Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Oct 4: "the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel" - Colossians 1:6 (NIV)
Oct 5: "This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD." - Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NIV)
Oct 6: "In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free." - Psalm 118:5 (NIV)
Oct 7: "Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, O LORD our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this." - Jeremiah 14:22 (NIV)
Thursday 7 October 2010
Psalm 131
1. Humble yourself before the LORD.
"My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me." - Psalm 131:1 (NIV)
2. Be still before the LORD.
"But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me." - Psalm 131:2 (NIV)
3. Hope in the LORD.
"O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore." - Psalm 131:3 (NIV)
"My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me." - Psalm 131:1 (NIV)
2. Be still before the LORD.
"But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me." - Psalm 131:2 (NIV)
3. Hope in the LORD.
"O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore." - Psalm 131:3 (NIV)
Wednesday 6 October 2010
Why Prisons?
Many people have asked me this question and I don't think I've thought about it enough. So why Prisons?
Mission
As a key partner in Criminal Justice, we protect society through the safe custody and rehabilitation of offenders, co-operating in prevention and aftercare.
Vision
We aspire to be captains in the lives of offenders committed to our custody. We will be instrumental in steering them towards being responsible citizens with the help of their families and the community. We will thus build a secure and exemplary prison system.
Yes, but why did I join Prisons?
1. To serve society.
The Singapore Prison Service is not an end unto itself. It is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs, which in turn is part of the Singapore Civil Service. Even before joining Prisons, I decided that I wanted to work in the public sector.
2. To protect society.
Having decided that I wanted to work in the public sector, Prisons gave me the opportunity to contribute to a safe, secure and stable society. And I personally believe that safety, security and stability comes before anything else.
"You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety." - Job 11:18 (NIV)
"My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest." - Isaiah 32:18 (NIV)
"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." - Hebrews 6:19-20 (NIV)
For Your covenant is sure
And on this I am secure
I can stand on every promise of Your Word
3. To change society.
With - and only with - safety, security and stability in place, inmates can (and should) change. Here is where I can make a difference to society, one inmate at a time.
With - and only with - the assurance of salvation, we can (and should) 'press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me' (Philippians 3:12, NIV).
Making One's Calling and Election Sure
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love...
Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
- 2 Peter 1:3-7, 10-11 (NIV)
Links: 9 Months (9 Oct 10), Today (11 Oct 10)
Mission
As a key partner in Criminal Justice, we protect society through the safe custody and rehabilitation of offenders, co-operating in prevention and aftercare.
Vision
We aspire to be captains in the lives of offenders committed to our custody. We will be instrumental in steering them towards being responsible citizens with the help of their families and the community. We will thus build a secure and exemplary prison system.
Yes, but why did I join Prisons?
1. To serve society.
The Singapore Prison Service is not an end unto itself. It is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs, which in turn is part of the Singapore Civil Service. Even before joining Prisons, I decided that I wanted to work in the public sector.
2. To protect society.
Having decided that I wanted to work in the public sector, Prisons gave me the opportunity to contribute to a safe, secure and stable society. And I personally believe that safety, security and stability comes before anything else.
"You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety." - Job 11:18 (NIV)
"My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest." - Isaiah 32:18 (NIV)
"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." - Hebrews 6:19-20 (NIV)
For Your covenant is sure
And on this I am secure
I can stand on every promise of Your Word
3. To change society.
With - and only with - safety, security and stability in place, inmates can (and should) change. Here is where I can make a difference to society, one inmate at a time.
With - and only with - the assurance of salvation, we can (and should) 'press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me' (Philippians 3:12, NIV).
Making One's Calling and Election Sure
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love...
Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
- 2 Peter 1:3-7, 10-11 (NIV)
Links: 9 Months (9 Oct 10), Today (11 Oct 10)
Tuesday 5 October 2010
Still Believing God for His Best
It is not easy... it is very, very hard. God seems to ask the hardest things from us. He wants us to suspend our common sense, close our eyes to everything around us, put aside our knowledge of earthly reality and logic... and TRUST HIM. Yes, trust Him!
You may have heard the story of the mountain climber who tried to reach the peak even when it was dark at night. He slipped and fell into stark darkness and found himself hanging by the safety rope that mountain climbers use. As he hung in darkness and was not able to see anything, he reached for the rope and clung on to it. In desperation he cried out, "Help me God!"
The story goes that he heard a voice telling him "Cut the rope. Trust me," but he could not bring himself to cut the rope and trust God. Desperately, he clung on to it until rescuers found him the next day, frozen to death just a few feet above the ground. This may just be a story but just the same, we too may be hanging on to our rope or something or someone, some false security that may become our downfall.
The key is to listen to His voice saying "cut the rope, trust Me." Keep on trusting regardless of what is going on around you, even when things seem hopeless. We have learnt this valuable lesson through the years of serving Him.
When we truly trust the Lord with all our hearts, we are finally giving Him permission to minister to us without us getting in His way. He will not fail us. God will not force anything on us, but He does want us to let go completely and let Him do His work in our lives...
By NOT trusting Him... we are retaining our control over our situations. We get in His way and mess up the whole situation and then we blame Him. Being human, we really have no control anyway. Rather than telling God exactly what we think He should do for us, why not ask Him to do what He thinks is best for us?
In the years that I have served Him, I have learnt to believe that God wants to give me the best. He only asks me to believe in Him so that He can make me the person He wants me to be - a person of true faith. I am learning day by day, to trust God with everything and for everything!
"Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal." - Isaiah 26:4 (NIV)
- Neville Tan (former inmate turned pastor), The New Iron Man... not an easy road
Link: Believing God for His Best (14 Jun 10)
You may have heard the story of the mountain climber who tried to reach the peak even when it was dark at night. He slipped and fell into stark darkness and found himself hanging by the safety rope that mountain climbers use. As he hung in darkness and was not able to see anything, he reached for the rope and clung on to it. In desperation he cried out, "Help me God!"
The story goes that he heard a voice telling him "Cut the rope. Trust me," but he could not bring himself to cut the rope and trust God. Desperately, he clung on to it until rescuers found him the next day, frozen to death just a few feet above the ground. This may just be a story but just the same, we too may be hanging on to our rope or something or someone, some false security that may become our downfall.
The key is to listen to His voice saying "cut the rope, trust Me." Keep on trusting regardless of what is going on around you, even when things seem hopeless. We have learnt this valuable lesson through the years of serving Him.
When we truly trust the Lord with all our hearts, we are finally giving Him permission to minister to us without us getting in His way. He will not fail us. God will not force anything on us, but He does want us to let go completely and let Him do His work in our lives...
By NOT trusting Him... we are retaining our control over our situations. We get in His way and mess up the whole situation and then we blame Him. Being human, we really have no control anyway. Rather than telling God exactly what we think He should do for us, why not ask Him to do what He thinks is best for us?
In the years that I have served Him, I have learnt to believe that God wants to give me the best. He only asks me to believe in Him so that He can make me the person He wants me to be - a person of true faith. I am learning day by day, to trust God with everything and for everything!
"Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal." - Isaiah 26:4 (NIV)
- Neville Tan (former inmate turned pastor), The New Iron Man... not an easy road
Link: Believing God for His Best (14 Jun 10)
Monday 4 October 2010
Work and Worship
So why do we work? There are many biblical reasons for working: economic - to create wealth; financial - to support oneself and a family; personal - to experience fulfillment and significance; social - to avoid being a burden on others; relational - to support other people through collaborative effort.
God is interested in the good of the whole of society. So when I am asked about worship I reply firmly, 'My work station is my worship station.' Worship is the total submission of our whole person to the glory of God as we recognise our dependence on Him. My desk should therefore be a place of worship. Indeed, the Hebrew word for work and worship is the same - avodah. God is our real employer.
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul urges us: 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters' (Colossians 3:23). I remember a personal assistant telling me that when she passed the reception desk on her way into work each morning, she reminded herself, 'It is the Lord Christ I serve.' This avoids the danger of settling for satisfactory underperformance. I try to pray every morning as I start work because I want to remind myself that I am not dependent on myself or on any economic system, but on God. Work is a ministry, empowered by God, for the benefit of ourselves and others, and ultimately for His glory.
- Ken Costa, God at Work
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
God is interested in the good of the whole of society. So when I am asked about worship I reply firmly, 'My work station is my worship station.' Worship is the total submission of our whole person to the glory of God as we recognise our dependence on Him. My desk should therefore be a place of worship. Indeed, the Hebrew word for work and worship is the same - avodah. God is our real employer.
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul urges us: 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters' (Colossians 3:23). I remember a personal assistant telling me that when she passed the reception desk on her way into work each morning, she reminded herself, 'It is the Lord Christ I serve.' This avoids the danger of settling for satisfactory underperformance. I try to pray every morning as I start work because I want to remind myself that I am not dependent on myself or on any economic system, but on God. Work is a ministry, empowered by God, for the benefit of ourselves and others, and ultimately for His glory.
- Ken Costa, God at Work
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
Sunday 3 October 2010
More on Life as a Vapour
A Singaporean student in London was killed after being hit by a vehicle and dragged almost 2km in the early hours of Thursday morning.
I don't know the victim personally, but I have several friends studying in London and I was a student visiting London not too long ago myself. I can't imagine what it must be like for the victim and her family. I pray that the God of peace would be with them all.
"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."" - James 4:13-15 (NIV)
Link: Life as a Vapour (31 May 10)
I don't know the victim personally, but I have several friends studying in London and I was a student visiting London not too long ago myself. I can't imagine what it must be like for the victim and her family. I pray that the God of peace would be with them all.
"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."" - James 4:13-15 (NIV)
Link: Life as a Vapour (31 May 10)
Saturday 2 October 2010
Sovereign Grace
I hear religious-minded people say all the time with good intentions, "God will never place a burden on you so heavy that you cannot carry it."
Really?
My experience is that God will place a burden on you so heavy that you cannot possibly carry it alone. He will break your back and your will. He will buckle your legs until you fall flat beneath the crushing weight of your load. All the while He will walk beside you waiting for you to come to the point where you must depend on Him.
"My power is made perfect in your weakness," He says, as we strain under our burden.
Whatever the burden, it might indeed get worse, but I know this - God is faithful. And while we change and get old, He does not. When we get weaker, He remains strong. And in our weakness and humility, He offers us true, lasting, transforming, and undeserved grace.
- Greg Lucas, Wrestling with an Angel
"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NIV)
Really?
My experience is that God will place a burden on you so heavy that you cannot possibly carry it alone. He will break your back and your will. He will buckle your legs until you fall flat beneath the crushing weight of your load. All the while He will walk beside you waiting for you to come to the point where you must depend on Him.
"My power is made perfect in your weakness," He says, as we strain under our burden.
Whatever the burden, it might indeed get worse, but I know this - God is faithful. And while we change and get old, He does not. When we get weaker, He remains strong. And in our weakness and humility, He offers us true, lasting, transforming, and undeserved grace.
- Greg Lucas, Wrestling with an Angel
"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NIV)
Friday 1 October 2010
Sep 22 to 30
Sep 22: "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better." - Ephesians 1:17 (NIV)
Sep 23: ""For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD." - Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)
Sep 24: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
Sep 25: "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ." - Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)
Sep 26: "He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD." - Psalm 112:7 (NIV)
Sep 27: "Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." - Ephesians 5:17 (NIV)
Sep 28: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." - Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)
Sep 29: "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." - Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Sep 30: "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." - Philippians 2:4 (NIV)
Sep 23: ""For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD." - Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)
Sep 24: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
Sep 25: "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ." - Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)
Sep 26: "He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD." - Psalm 112:7 (NIV)
Sep 27: "Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." - Ephesians 5:17 (NIV)
Sep 28: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." - Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)
Sep 29: "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." - Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Sep 30: "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." - Philippians 2:4 (NIV)
Thursday 30 September 2010
Humility
"The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honour." - Proverbs 15:33 (NIV)
"This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word." - Isaiah 66:2 (NIV)
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." - James 3:13 (NIV)
*****
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
- Philippians 2:5-11 (NIV)
"This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word." - Isaiah 66:2 (NIV)
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." - James 3:13 (NIV)
*****
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
- Philippians 2:5-11 (NIV)
Wednesday 29 September 2010
God disturbs the comfortable and comforts the disturbed
God disturbs the comfortable
"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."" - James 4:13-15 (NIV)
If you think you have everything worked out, do not boast about tomorrow.
God comforts the disturbed
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6:31-34 (NIV)
If you think you have nothing worked out, do not worry about tomorrow either.
The One Thing Needful
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
That is all.
"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."" - James 4:13-15 (NIV)
If you think you have everything worked out, do not boast about tomorrow.
God comforts the disturbed
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6:31-34 (NIV)
If you think you have nothing worked out, do not worry about tomorrow either.
The One Thing Needful
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
That is all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)